Code Definition

B1961 — Seat Recline Forward/Backward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Ground

System: Body  |  Type: Manufacturer-Specific  |  Make: Ford

About B1961

B1961 is a manufacturer-specific body diagnostic trouble code recorded for Ford vehicles. It belongs to the B-prefix family of codes, which covers body, interior, airbag, or comfort-electronics faults.

When B1961 is stored, the module has detected a short-circuit (voltage pulled to ground or to supply) in the monitored circuit.

Scanning & clearing: Body (B) codes are often stored in the body control module, airbag module, or climate module. A basic OBD-II tool usually will not read body codes — an enhanced or OEM-level scan tool is typically required.

B1961 is a manufacturer-specific code. The same code string on a different make may have a different meaning. Always confirm the code's definition against the vehicle's service information for the specific make and model under test.

Code Information

The B1961 code is set when the Driver Seat Module (DSM) or seat memory module detects a short to ground condition on the recline forward/backward potentiometer feedback circuit. This potentiometer reports the angular position of the seatback by varying its wiper voltage across the supply rail, which is normally about 5 volts. When the module sees the signal voltage pinned at or near zero volts and the value does not change as the seatback moves, it concludes the signal wire is shorted to ground somewhere in the circuit. With this code active, position feedback for the recline axis is invalid, ...

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